How to stop letters being deleted while you're typing

If you find that words are vanishing in your word processing software or email inbox, our tech experts have a super-simple solution
Tom MorganSenior content writer
Enter key on keyboard

When powering through a crammed inbox or typing up an important document, the last thing you need is for words to start disappearing due to a keyboard setting. But there's a quick fix.

We've heard from readers who, when making amendments to text, have to re-type certain parts. Read on as our tech experts explain how to solve the issue – you'll be pleased to hear it takes just a couple of seconds.


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Text disappears as I type: how to fix it

Simply tap the Insert button on your keyboard and this will make sure that each letter is inserted into the text, rather than overtyping it.

What causes text to disappear?

It's highly likely that you accidentally tapped the Insert key in the first place. Insert is mostly used to switch between the two main modes of entering text on a computer: Overtype Mode and Insert Mode.

  • Overtype Mode is where your cursor overwrites any text that is present on and after its current location
  • Insert mode is where your cursor inserts characters at its current position between two other characters.

If you're struggling with a sluggish machine, see our expert advice on how to speed up a laptop or computer, and how to fix common iPad and tablet faults.


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